What is a common sign or symptom of pulmonary embolism (PE)?

Dyspnea, which refers to difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of pulmonary embolism (PE). This occurs because a blood clot in the pulmonary arteries obstructs blood flow to the lungs, leading to impaired gas exchange and resulting in shortness of breath. Atypical chest pain associated with PE may arise from the strain on the heart or due to pleuritic pain from lung involvement.

The combination of these symptoms is critical for identifying PE as they reflect the respiratory and cardiovascular impact of the embolism. Patients often present with sudden onset dyspnea, which may be accompanied by chest pain that could be mistaken for other conditions, making it essential for clinicians to recognize this symptomatology in the context of risk factors for PE.

Other options such as fever and muscle aches, persistent coughing and sore throat, or dizziness and fainting may present in different contexts but are not specifically representative of PE. While they can occur in various conditions, they lack the direct association with the obstructive nature and physiological consequences of pulmonary embolism.